Political Instability

Definition

Political instability refers to the frequent changes in government, social unrest, and the inability to maintain a consistent political order. It often leads to conflict, as differing factions vie for power, and can result in chaos or violence. In the context of territorial expansion and conflict, such as the events leading to the Mexican-American War, political instability was a crucial factor that shaped national policies and attitudes towards territorial acquisitions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In the years leading up to the Mexican-American War, both Mexico and the U.S. faced significant internal political challenges that contributed to instability.
2. The overthrow of Mexican President Antonio López de Santa Anna led to a power vacuum and factional struggles that weakened Mexico's ability to defend its territorial claims.
3. In the U.S., differing views on slavery and its expansion into new territories created political divisions that fueled tensions between North and South.
4. Political instability in Mexico was characterized by changes in leadership and regional rebellions, making it difficult for the central government to assert control.
5. The conflict over Texas, which declared independence from Mexico in 1836, was partly driven by both American expansionist desires and Mexico's internal chaos.

Review Questions

• How did political instability in Mexico contribute to the causes of the Mexican-American War?
  • Political instability in Mexico played a significant role in the lead-up to the Mexican-American War. The frequent changes in leadership, particularly after the overthrow of Santa Anna, created a power vacuum that left Mexico vulnerable to external threats. This instability hindered Mexico's ability to maintain effective governance over its territories, including Texas, which had already declared independence. As factions fought for control within Mexico, they were unable to present a united front against American expansionist ambitions.
• In what ways did political instability within the United States influence attitudes toward territorial expansion during this period?
  • The political instability within the United States, marked by intense debates over slavery and its expansion into new territories, significantly influenced attitudes toward territorial expansion. As factions emerged with competing visions for America’s future—whether it should be a slaveholding or free state—these divisions heightened tensions between North and South. This discord not only fueled desires for expansion into areas like Texas but also contributed to an aggressive stance against perceived threats from Mexico, culminating in calls for war.
• Evaluate the long-term consequences of political instability for both Mexico and the United States following the Mexican-American War.
  • The long-term consequences of political instability following the Mexican-American War were profound for both nations. For Mexico, the loss of nearly half its territory exacerbated existing internal conflicts, contributing to further political upheaval and civil wars throughout the late 19th century. The U.S., on the other hand, faced increased sectional tensions over slavery as new territories entered the union, ultimately leading to greater political strife that set the stage for the Civil War. The war not only reshaped borders but also intensified national debates about governance, identity, and power dynamics in both countries.

Related terms

Manifest Destiny: The 19th-century doctrine that it was the divine right and destiny of the United States to expand its territory across North America.

Territorial Expansion: The process by which a nation seeks to extend its land and influence, often leading to conflicts with neighboring states or indigenous populations.

Civil Disobedience: The active refusal to obey certain laws or demands of a government as a form of peaceful protest against perceived injustices.